The 31-year-old had an on-field altercation with the Paris Saint-Germain striker during his time in France, and says he shouldn't win the award, despite praising his obvious talent.

"No, he does not deserve the Ballon d'Or. He is not the best player in the world," said Barton, in an interview with RMC.

"I
have no problem with Zlatan. This is a great player and an interesting
personality. He is a great goalscorer, his story is remarkable and
football needs players like him."

Barton also spoke about another
current star of world football, Neymar, and admitted his opinion of the
21-year-old is beginning to change having earlier criticised the
Brazilian on Twitter.

"I'm slowly changing my opinion about
Neymar, but not completely. He has been compared to [Lionel] Messi and
[Cristiano] Ronaldo, but he is not at their level," he said.

The
QPR man also gave his thoughts on Marseille after a permanent move to
the club failed to materialise following a loan spell in France last
season.

"It was a really difficult situation last summer. I was
under contract with QPR for another two years. The problem was a
financial one," he continued.

"I felt when I first came to the
the club that they really wanted me, but last summer I did not feel the
same way. I no longer felt loved by the club like I am loved by the
people of the city and the fans.

"I certainly have some regrets. I
still watch OM matches and think if I could go back to the club as part
of the staff I would like that very much." ------------------ goal.com